Gynaecomastia, or increase in the size of male breasts is a very common but rarely talked about deformity in men. This condition, although physiological in most cases, is a cause of great social embarrassment and psychological stress in young men.The condition is caused due to an imbalance of hormones in men and can happen in a newborn baby, teenage boys around puberty or even older men in their 40s and 50s. Genetic factors, obesity, certain medications, misuse of steroids, chronic alcohol abuse, drug addiction and certain diseases like chronic liver failure are some of the other causes of gynecomastia.
About the Procedure
Management of Gynaecomastia depends on the grade of the deformity present in a patient. The treatment options include Liposuction, excision of the gland or, more commonly, a combination of both. Though medical management has been used in some patients, the results of these are not effective and are useful only in pathological conditions. Some patients with higher grades of Gynaecomastia may require a mastectomy to restore the normal contour of the chest. Patients in whom the size of Nipple areola complex is large, may also require a reduction in size of the nipple during the procedure.
Candidates for the Procedure
Most patients are teenagers who notice an increase in size of breasts during puberty, and require only counseling regarding the physiological nature of the condition. However, if the condition is causing significant psychological disturbances, it is better to go ahead with surgical correction of the condition.
After the Surgery
Since the surgery is a day care procedure, patients are discharged the same day or next day, after the procedure. The patients are required to wear a compression garment for up to six weeks after surgery. Light activity is permitted within a day or two after the surgery but heavy weight lifting is to be avoided for 4-6 weeks. Though the results are appreciable immediately after the surgery, they improve over a period of days.